Motherwell held the 112th AGM at Fir Park on Monday evening. The chairman was delighted to report a healthy financial improvement and the manager echoed the joy when he suggested that most of his injured players may be available for Saturday.
Jim McMahon and his board rattled through the necessary formalities before devoting the major part of the evening to a dialogue with the 40 shareholders present.
Of particular interest to Fir Park regulars is the news that the board will soon examine a proposal to replace the defunct scoreboard and renew the PA system. The chairman explained with glee that "we have cash".
Alan Burrows shared responses and explained that the club was aggrieved that the Inland Revenue had included the club in the recent list of businesses paying less than the minimum wage. In all cases employees were paid the correct gross wage but some had elected to have voluntary deductions (tickets, Well Lotto etc) at source. Despite protests we were included in the list. The SPFL are being supportive in the matter.
The club will ensure better security outside the main stand after matches against the Glasgow clubs and consideration is being given to a relocation of the Well Bois section to the other end of the John Hunter Stand.
The chairman revealed that the supervisory board (the bridge between the Society and the club's executive boards) had discussed a range of issues including Ravenscraig, pricing, managing debt and the club's ethical position.
Stephen Robinson gave a brief report about the football side of the club. He talked about the recent spell of injuries and the limitations that the playing budget imposed on our options. The recent spell of three games is six days has taken a toll but he is sure that we value cup final appearances. He raised smiles when he suggested that most of the injured players should be back in action on Saturday.
He talked of the search for new signings and the negotiation of contract extensions. He was fulsome in his praise for Keith Lasley and his back room staff and spoke of his hope of developing a core of home grown players in the team. Robinson is keen to have video technology available to help referees but he is aware of the financial barrier.
We look forward to a profitable 2017/18.